Celebrating South Florida Young Talent: The Ray Millette Young Artists Concerto Competition
RISE TO THE CHALLENGE: SEIZE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TODAY!
Each great artist begins with a defining moment. For South Florida’s most talented young musicians, that moment is here.
The Ray Millette Young Artists Concerto Competition, now in its 23rd year, honors the legacy of one of Alhambra Orchestra’s visionary members by shining a spotlight on the brightest emerging talent in our community.
This prestigious annual event offers more than a competition, it’s a stage for growth, recognition, and possibility. Finalists will:
- Perform with a full symphony orchestra, an unparalleled experience for any young musician.
- Compete before a distinguished panel of judges who recognize true artistry and promise.
- Earn scholarships and opportunities that help fuel future success.
Open to middle and high school students in Southeast Florida, the Concerto Competition welcomes all orchestral instruments. Whether you’re a rising star or ready for your next big step, this is your chance to stand in the spotlight and be heard.
IT’S YOUR TIME TO SHINE!
The 2026-2027 Concerto Competition Application is Completely Digital!
We are excited to once again offer talented youth the opportunity to participate in our annual concerto competition. This initiative reflects our commitment to identifying and recognizing exceptional young musicians aspiring to pursue a career in music.
All auditions must be submitted online in video format. Please note that piano accompaniment is required, including prerecorded or “music minus one” accompaniment.
There is a $35 non-refundable fee to enter the competition. Applications and video submissions are due by midnight on November 1st, 2026. Once your application and fee have been submitted, you will receive an email confirmation with additional details.The final rounds will take place on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at Encore Academy of the Arts, 4651 SW 72nd Avenue, #110, Miami, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Applicants are required to provide a brief biography (not exceeding two paragraphs), a list of all repertoire they are prepared to perform, proof of age (such as a passport, state ID, or birth certificate), and a high-resolution headshot photo.
To begin the application process, review and gather all your information and submit your online application form when ready.
This competition is open to young musicians from middle school through senior year of high school, including graduating seniors. Applicants must be residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, or Monroe Counties and enrolled at the middle school or high school level as of August 2026.
The competition is open to all aspiring orchestral musicians trained on any orchestral instrument, including piano and guitar. Previous winners who have performed with the Alhambra Orchestra are eligible to compete again, provided they did not win first place on the same instrument.
To prepare for the February live performance, finalists are required to attend at least three rehearsals (7:30 PM – 10:00 PM) with the Orchestra on January 20, 27, and Feb. 3, 2027. An afternoon dress rehearsal will be scheduled before the concert.
All auditions must be submitted online in video format. Piano accompaniment is required, even if pre-recorded. Submissions without accompaniment will not be accepted.
Submissions, along with a completed application, are due by midnight on November 1st, 2026. Only one submission per applicant is allowed. Once a submission is received, no further submissions from the same applicant will be accepted. The judging panel will review recordings from late October and early November. Applicants will be notified of their advancement to the final round no later than November 12, 2026. The final rounds will take place on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at Encore Academy of the Arts, 4651 SW 72nd St., #110, Miami, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Three winners and one alternate may be selected from those who compete. The first place winner receives a prize of $700. Second place receives a prize of $300 and third place receives $200 towards their music education.
The audition committee reserves the right to award no winner and/or to award alternate cash and performance prizes to honorable mention performers at the committee’s discretion. The audition committee reserves the right to withhold or redistribute cash prize at its discretion.
Winner and alternate must complete a W-9 form and waiver. The three winners will be featured in a concert at FIU Wertheim Performing Arts Center on Sunday, February 6, 2027, and the alternate will perform if one of the three cannot do so. If the scheduled performance cannot happen, the Alhambra Orchestra may, at its discretion, afford the winner(s) alternative performance opportunities. Performance with the orchestra is not guaranteed.
Chronological list of Winners of Alhambra Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition
2026
Nicolas Marin Fumero, Piano
Isabella Mesquita, Recorder
manda Nuñez, Violin
2025
Michael Li, Violin
Lilah Hahn, Piano
Raul Rodríguez, Viola
APPLY TODAY.
